[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 39 (Thursday, March 10, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1418-S1419]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    REMEMBERING DR. MIGUEL ENCINIAS

  Mr. UDALL. Madam President, I rise today to remember a great New 
Mexican and a great American, Dr. Miguel Encinias, who passed away on 
Saturday, February 20, at the age of 92.
  New Mexico has a long and proud tradition of military service. Dr. 
Encinias is often called ``New Mexico's most decorated veteran.'' He 
fought in three wars and was the recipient of 3 Distinguished Flying 
Crosses, 14 Air Medals, and 2 Purple Hearts. His military career is one 
of courage and sacrifice. He later played an important role in the 
creation of the World War II Memorial here in Washington, DC.
  If the measure of a life is living to the utmost of one's talents and 
giving the utmost of one's self, Miguel Encinias is an inspiration to 
all of us. I think that is why he will long be remembered with such 
admiration and gratitude.
  His service began at the young age of 16 when he joined the New 
Mexico National Guard in 1939. Within 4 years, he had become a second 
lieutenant and a pilot in the Army Air Corps. Over the next three 
decades he fought with distinction in three wars: World War II, the 
Korean war, and Vietnam.
  As his friend and mine, Ralph Arellanes, who is chairman of the 
Hispano Roundtable of New Mexico, said of Miguel: Miguel flew 245 
combat missions as a fighter pilot. Few American aviators in history 
have flown combat missions in three wars. Miguel was one of them.
  He was shot down over Italy in 1944 and served over 15 months in a 
Nazi prison camp. He volunteered to go to Korea and was shot down again 
but not captured. He answered the call of his country many times with 
great courage and sacrifice.
  Dr. Encinias retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1971, but if that was 
the conclusion of his storied military career, it was just the 
beginning of new accomplishments and new achievements. He returned to 
New Mexico and earned a doctorate in Hispanic literature at the 
University of New Mexico.
  In an article about his life, the Albuquerque Journal said: ``As a 
scholar, educator, New Mexico historian, and decorated combat flyer in 
three wars, Miguel Encinias both studied and shaped history in a life 
that spanned nine decades.''
  There was an article about Miguel in the Santa Fe New Mexican, and 
they put it this way: ``An ace in the air, a scholar on the ground.''
  He earlier obtained a degree in political science at Georgetown 
University and a master's degree at the Institute of Political Studies 
in Paris.
  In 1995 he was requested by President Clinton to serve on the World 
War II Memorial Advisory Board. By the time the memorial was built in 
2004, Dr. Encinias was the only living member of the board to see it 
completed. It was a happy day for him.
  In an interview with the Albuquerque Journal, Dr. Encinias's son, 
Juan-Pablo Encinias, summed up what so many who knew Dr. Encinias 
understood: ``It's kind of amazing how much he accomplished,'' his son 
said. ``He really didn't stop.''
  Those accomplishments, according to the Journal, included teaching 
Hispanic literature at two universities and developing bilingual 
education in New Mexico schools.
  Dr. Encinias also found the time to write several books on New Mexico 
history and to fund a theater group and a light opera company in 
Albuquerque.
  His son Juan-Pablo also remarked to the Journal that Dr. Encinias 
``was very just and felt very strongly about people getting their fair 
shake in life.''
  Dr. Encinias was honored for his work for civil rights and social 
justice by the New Mexico LULAC branch in 2007 and the Hispano 
Roundtable of New Mexico in 2011. As important as the medals and honors 
are, they aren't the most important thing we will remember about Dr. 
Encinias. It is the example he set in always doing his best, in always 
giving back, both in wartime and at home.
  His daughter Isabel shared with me that although her father had 
incredibly high standards and was very tough, he had an incredible 
amount of compassion and always fought for the underdog.
  Whether risking his own life to save that of his fellow airmen or 
fighting for quality education and opportunity for everyone, Miguel 
Encinias committed himself to the needs of others.
  On November 11, 1995, at the World War II Memorial site dedication, 
Dr. Encinias was introduced by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of 
Staff. He received a standing ovation from President Clinton and 
everyone present. They knew they were seeing a true patriot and a true 
hero and a great American. On that day, President Clinton thanked Dr. 
Encinias and said for ``your truly remarkable service to our nation.''
  To all who knew this extraordinary man and who mourn him now, we know 
his life was indeed a remarkable story of courage, of dedication, and 
of generosity of spirit.
  Madam President, my State has lost one of its heroes. Over the course 
of a

[[Page S1419]]

long and distinguished life, Dr. Miguel Encinias always found ways to 
serve, and New Mexico and our Nation are better for it.
  My wife Jill and I extend our sincere condolences to the Encinias 
family on the passing of Dr. Encinias. We honor his courage, we honor 
his service, and we mourn his loss with the family.
  Thank you very much.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. CORKER. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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